9 Easy Ways to Look Chic for Less While Traveling
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A Guest Post by Natasha Barbeyto-Castaño*
9 Easy Ways to Look Chic for Less While Traveling:
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Unless you’re representing your country in Miss Universe, looking like you just stepped out of the pages of a magazine when boarding a plane has now become a thing of the past. Thankfully, the idea of jet-setting in style has already evolved into something more relaxed and forgiving–even for celebrities. After all, who wants to get on that 16-hour flight worrying about getting creases on your tailored suit?
We all just want to be comfortable, especially during long-haul flights. But comfy doesn’t have to be synonymous with sloppy, and chic doesn’t have to be expensive. You can still look good from boarding that plane to your exploring your destination–even under a budget–with these easy peasy travel dressing tips:
- Stash your personal care kit in your carry-on.
Unless you’re flying first class, chances are the grooming kit that comes with your flight package consists of just the basics. While a toothbrush and toothpaste may be provided, it never hurts to bring your small bottle of mouthwash with you. This can give you that extra boost of confidence whenever you need it. Also, have some of your favorite drugstore essentials like a facial wash, moisturizer, concealer, tinted lip balm and lash curler with you to perk up your face before getting off the plane. An extra pair of underwear can also come in handy.
- Plan your itinerary.
It always pays to plan the details of your trip and have an itinerary. It doesn’t have to be set in stone, but knowing your schedule and the sites you’ll visit sets you up for a smooth-sailing trip. While last-minute change of plans may be inevitable, it is best to have an idea of what to expect so you can also come up with the appropriate outfits for each location. It is also an excellent way to avoid unnecessary expenses.
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- Take a location-appropriate hat and sunglasses with you.
Putting on a headpiece is one of the fastest and easiest ways to stylize an outfit. Throwing on a wide-brimmed hat can instantly transform your plain getup into a fabulous one. More importantly, it also protects your face from UV rays, keeps your head cooler, and prevents heat-induced headaches. Sport some shades, too, if you want to mask tired-looking jet-lagged eyes. It also lends an air of sophistication and just a dash of mysteriousness, if that’s what you’re going for. When visiting cooler regions, hats also offer protection by keeping your head warm and help prevent frostbite around your ears.
- Carry a crisp and versatile jacket plus a small umbrella.
In Hawaii they have a saying: If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. This holds true for most tropical destinations. It could be hot and humid while you’re getting ready to leave for your first tourist spot of the day, and just when you get to the lobby, you’ll be surprised to see that it’s already raining hard. Having a drenched outfit and wet hair doesn’t make for an Instagram-worthy look, but you can always count on a minimalist jacket or coat and a foldable umbrella to keep you warm and dry. Make sure they don’t weigh much so you can keep them inside your bag as you go about your day.
- Pack some basic tank tops.
Stuffing your suitcase with a few tank tops in neutral colors will save you a lot of time when choosing what to wear. These no-nonsense yet stylish basics can be worn with jeans and sneakers for an effortless look, or combined with a mini skirt and some wedges for a more feminine vibe. You can easily match them with some accessories if you feel like it. When the weather gets a bit chilly unexpectedly, you can also layer them under your outfit to help keep you warmer.
- Invest in stylish podiatrist-approved shoes for walking.
A chic and comfortable walking shoe is your best friend when traveling. Go for something that has proper cushioning and arch support. Investing in a pair of quality podiatric shoes saves you money in the long run, especially if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug. You’ll be able to stay on your feet and explore for longer hours because it was specifically designed with comfort as a priority. Nowadays, there are a lot of fashionable podiatrist-approved options to choose from so you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
- Bring a pair of cute and easy wedges.
You’ll never know if that dinner you’re gonna be invited to would call for a nightcap at a dressier place. Donning flattering and easy to walk in low wedges that can take you from day to night can instantly amp up a basic outfit, and can save you from looking and feeling underdressed. Choose something you’ve already worn so you can be confident that it really wouldn’t hurt. Also, make sure that they go with most of the clothes you packed in your luggage, so you can mix and match them with a lot of clothing combinations.
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- Have at least one party dress with you.
No matter where you are in the world, your accommodations would most likely have a hip go-to spot nearby for some drinks and partying. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that just because you’re unprepared. Make sure you pack at least one flattering dress to wear to that swanky roof deck bar you might just wanna check out one night. There’s a wide variety of premium-looking cocktail dresses that you can purchase online without breaking the bank.
- Don’t forget your emergency sewing kit.
Whenever we travel, the most trivial thing we don’t want to be bothered about is having a wardrobe malfunction. You wouldn’t want to go through your itinerary for the day with a rip in your pants or a button missing from your shirt. Buying and wearing an unwashed piece of clothing straight from the store is not only unhygienic—it also could ruin your budget. Having a tiny sewing kit in your bag saves you from spending on something you wouldn’t really buy if your clothes weren’t damaged.
* Natasha Barbeyto-Castaño is a beauty, wellness and lifestyle writer. She took up Fashion Design and Merchandising in college, and was hired as a personal shopper for a high-end department store right after graduating. Writing for the beauty and fashion sections of a society magazine and being head of content for a clothing company kept her busy before getting married and having a little boy. She learned to read at the age of 3, and wants her son to grow up sharing the same love for books. Nowadays, this organic wellness nut and attachment parenting advocate balances working from home and being a housewife. She enjoys watching psychological thrillers and foreign-language films with her husband during her free time.
